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Top Indoor Plants, Tips, Ideas, and Techniques

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Introduction to top indoor plants: A plant that grows indoors is an indoor plant. Tropical plants, like palms, are capable of thriving in indoor conditions. The presence of indoor plants should be an essential element of any interior design. Bringing greenery into a room boosts the mood and brightens the space. It is popular to have indoor plants due to their easy care, health benefits, and ability to be used in various home décor styles. Indoor plants are also a good option if you lack the space for an outdoor garden or live in a severely cold climate during the winter months. Therefore, our ultimate guide provides you with all the knowledge you will need to maintain a healthy indoor plant.

A manual to growing top indoor plants, secrets, techniques, and ideas

Top Indoor Plants
Top Indoor Plants (Image source: pixabay)

The best way to grow plants indoors

Different indoor plants require different types of care, but these steps provide the general knowledge needed for indoor gardening.

Water your houseplants when they need it: indoor plants should be slightly overwatered than entirely soaked, so be sure not to overwater. In general, you should provide your plants with enough water to keep the soil moist but not soggy (with succulents being the only exception to this rule they need periodic soakings). The water should trickle out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot after slowly adding water to the potting soil. Plants do not need to be watered more than once or twice a week and less in winter. Stick your finger in the soil two inches deep to see if your plant needs to drink. The moister the soil is, the more likely it is that you should water.

Keep temperatures, humidity, and ventilation in mind: At night, the temperatures at which most indoor plants flourish range between 55 and 71°F. Therefore, humidity levels in home environments should be similar to those in which houseplants naturally grow. Those plants (of the genus Tillandsia) are entirely dependent on air for their water, so they require regular infusions of water with a spray bottle. In addition, it is essential to provide proper airflow for healthy indoor plants because the condensation on leaves too long can wreak havoc. By circulating air around your houseplants, you can help evaporate excess moisture and prevent dust accumulation on leaves.

Give your indoor plants the right amount of light: Photosynthesis is a fundamental process for all plants, but the amount of light required for different houseplants varies. Most houseplants need indirect light instead of direct light, except for desert cacti and other succulents. Houseplants that thrive in indirect light do well near west-facing windows or a few feet from south-facing windows if they need bright light but not direct sunlight. In the home, you can put philodendrons, pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants, which are all able to thrive in incredibly shady, low-light conditions. In some regions with fewer daylight hours and during winter months, certain houseplants require artificial light to thrive indoors. Light bulbs used at home are unsuitable for providing houseplants, so you’ll need to invest in fluorescent or LED grow lights, which emit full-spectrum light that emulates the sun’s spectrum.

Choose potting soil suitable for your plants: The ideal soil provides the right balance of nutrition, aeration, and water absorption for plant roots to grow. Peat moss, pine bark shavings, perlite, and vermiculite are typically included in potting soil mixes. When possible, you should use potting soil designed specifically for your houseplant rather than generic potting soil. Orchids and bromeliads, for instance, require fast-draining soil, but succulents need porous, sandy soil.

Choose the right pot for your plant: If you’re choosing a pot, be sure to consider its material, size, and ability to drain. Choose a pot that’s proportional to your plant’s current size-not more than a couple of inches wider in diameter than its root mass. Plants can be transplanted into a larger pot when they outgrow their previous ones. As moisture drains from the soil, roots cannot absorb the moisture fast enough if you start the plant in a larger pot than necessary. As plastic pots are lightweight, they are often used in baskets or on shelves. Terracotta pots are heavier than plastic pots, and their porous nature prevents them from holding water. Make sure the pot has an opening at the bottom for drainage.

Fertilize the soil to provide nutrients: Refill the potting soil with nutrients regularly to ensure healthy indoor plant growth. It is generally recommended that you fertilize your houseplants once a month when they are growing or flowering. If your plants are in a dormant state during the winter, you may decrease or pause the fertilizer regimen. It is essential to keep in mind that these guidelines are general, and specific plants may require their schedule or type of fertilizer.

The top indoor plants

Monstera deliciosa or Swiss-cheese plant: As one of the hottest indoor plants around right now, the “swiss cheese plant” can be seen all over Pinterest. They are a stunning statement plant because of their vibrant green leaves with unique holes, and they can grow in any location. However, the Monstera plants thrive in a warm, indirect light environment, and they need to be cleaned regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Overwatering may cause root rot, which is manifested as yellowed leaves, advises Gisele Zanier, founder of Beyond Sunflowers, a shop selling plants in Melbourne. In containers, Monsteras should be placed in pretty moist conditions and should not be overheated or cooled artificially, and they should be fed once a month in spring and summer.”

Monsteras enjoy climbing in the wild, so provide some stakes or trellises for support.

Epipremnum Aureum or Devil’s Ivy: Devil’s ivy, or golden pothos, is a fast-growing, forgiving vine suitable for any position in the house. They are low-maintenance and stunning, regardless of whether they’re in pots or glass vases. There are four types of leaves – penstemon wilcoxii is white and green, Marble Queen is cream and grayish-green, Neon is a bright, light greeny-yellow, and Tricolor has green leaves with yellow, light green, and cream dappling.

Moreover, they don’t require fertilizer regularly and are highly drought tolerant. During the winter, cut back to every other week and once a week if necessary. Pruning and propagating plants are best done in spring and summer, putting them in water to encourage rooting.

Mass Cane or Dracaena Massangeana: Its hardy nature makes it a favorite among beginning gardeners and an office staple. It is usually between 1.2 and 1.8 meters tall, with stalky stems and long, green leaves tipped with light yellow and green stripes. A large plant like this would be an excellent option for you. Bright indirect light is best for this plant, but it can also tolerate low lighting. The plant requires weekly watering. Dracaena’ Massangeana’ is toxic to dogs and cats, so it may not be the best option if you have pets around the house.

Spathiphyllum or Peace lily: Peace Lilies are a popular house plant, thanks to NASA’s recommendation in its best air-purifying plant list. White flowers are usually 45 to 65 centimeters tall and are surrounded by glossy, dark green foliage. Although they are capable of handling low light, low light may cause them to bloom poorly. Tropical plants do best with indirect light. A peace lily usually needs watering and misting about once a week during the spring and summer, less often in the winter. Water the plants less often between waterings because they hate wet soil and tend to rot their roots. Please make sure the foliage is kept clean and dust-free by wiping it down regularly. Ingesting this plant can lead to severe discomfort, so make sure pets and children don’t chew on it. 

Bromeliad: You don’t have to be intimidated by Bromeliads. Although once considered a plant for advanced gardeners, these attractive rosette-forming perennials make easy, low-maintenance houseplants. It grows best in shallow pots with fast drainage in medium to bright light indoors (but not in direct sunlight). When the weather is warm, you can water your plant by filling its central cup (also known as a tank) once a week. If you have plants in the winter, you may water them less frequently. However, make sure you flush it regularly to prevent water stagnation. The plants are not heavy feeders, so you can add a slow-release fertilizer once a year to the soil around the plant or drop it into the cup.

Sansevieria or Mother-in-law’s Tongue: Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, originate from South Africa and Asia. Leaves with pointy tips are associated with the sharp tongue of the mother-in-law, which is symbolized by the name. Plants growing on this sound, succulent turf can grow as tall as two meters and are exceptionally hardy. It is complicated to kill it, so this is another good choice for neglectful gardeners. A few hours of direct sunlight per day are required to be provided for this plant daily. This plant can tolerate some shade. But it will grow slower as a result of the shade. The root ball needs moderate moisture in the summer and less in the winter. Plants would prefer to be dry over wet, so don’t overwater. Do not be fooled by the name (or, more likely, scared to death). The snake plant gets its name from its thin, upright leaves with “irregular green banding” that looks like – you guessed it – a snake. In addition to looking cool, it’s also low maintenance and does well in almost any climate, so it’s ideal for newbies. Snake plants thrive in bright light but can also tolerate lower levels of light. Snake plants are also safe to have around your home, as well as filtering out nasty chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.

Zanzibar Gem: Not only does this plant look great, but it has also been hailed as ‘almost indestructible and is ideal for those who tend to neglect their plants since it is drought-resistant. The plant can survive long periods without water due to its deep green glossy leaves. Zanzibar Gems can store water in their potato-like tubers, which makes them hardy. Avoid overwatering and soaking your Zanzibar Gem. It grows best when neglected and doesn’t need much water. Monthly watering is sufficient. It prefers bright to light-shaded environments. The shade will not damage it, but it will take longer to grow there. The species can burn if it is directly exposed to the sun. Repot if you see that the root system is bulging in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Anthurium Andraeanum: Its leaves are long, dark-green leathery, and heart-shaped flowers will last for weeks. It is originally from Columbia. Spaces are known as ‘flowers,’ and they are round bracts surrounded by leaves. The plant needs bright light to bloom (but not direct sun). During the spring and autumn, it needs evenly moist soil, and while it has a relatively dry winter, it can reach 45cm in height. In spring and summer, liquid fertilizer with a high phosphorus content needs to be applied every two weeks to the Anthurium.

In case if you miss this: Unique Container Gardening For Beginners.

Anthuriums
Anthuriums (Pic credit: pixabay)

Maidenhair Fern: If you’re willing to give a Maidenhair Fern the care it needs, it can be a beautiful plant in your home. Hanging plants with leaves that are feathery, light green, and have soft, shiny stems. In addition to their fragile appearance, Maidenhair Ferns are described as the goldilocks of plants in care instructions. In a warm place with some humidity, they need not too much light, but neither too little. Plant a potted plant in a small saucer filled with pebbles to create a rainforest environment. As the water evaporates from the saucer, a humid microclimate forms around the plant. Put water just below the top of the pebbles in the saucer.

Ficus Elastica or Rubber Plant: Rubber plants or Rubber Figs are trendy houseplants with glossy leaves in dark green and burgundy shades. Small potted plants can grow into large indoor trees or remain small in containers. In warmer seasons, it needs bright light with weekly watering, and in colder seasons, it can survive with monthly or fortnightly watering. Rubber plants require bright, indirect light, as do the majority of other plants on this list. It would help if you only watered it when the soil was dry. In addition to providing an excellent source of natural air purification, rubber plants are also great air purifiers. You can put them by a favorite seating area to enjoy the fresh air.

ZZ Plant: Plants that need less water (rather than being overwatered) respond well to ZZ plants. If you have a spot that isn’t very sunny, it can also tolerate a low amount of light.

The string of pearls plant: Leave this plant in bright, indirect light, with enough water to keep the soil moist to get long strands of pearls. Hang yours in a pot that allows the succulent vines to cascade over the sides.

Pilea: For this plant, indirect sunlight with bright light is ideal, but watering should be done carefully. The plant needs a “drench-and-dry” approach (water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out) and a weekly misting. Having unique round leaves makes a dramatic impression, so keep the pot simple, like The Joy of Plants display.

Sweetheart Plant: Heart-shaped Hoya kerrii plants, also known as Hoya kerrii, are sold as individual leaf cuttings and trailing plants. It is a succulent that requires very little care (The Sill recommends watering it every three to four weeks), and it prefers bright sunlight. It is the perfect little plant for your window sill.

Dracaena Gold Star: Dracaenas are great because they can quickly adapt to different light environments, although direct sunlight is not recommended.

One of those groups is Dracaena Lisa. The Dracaena Marginata Plant, however, is your best bet for purifying the air. It can handle indoor temperatures and seasonal changes better than others. In addition to benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, it also removes.

Aloe Vera: It’s not just easy to take care of this plant. It is also known as a medical plant. In addition, it is known that aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.” So not only can this plant brighten up your home, but it also treats wounds and different skin conditions. So put your aloe vera plant in a bright, sunny spot, and don’t worry about it dying.

How about this: Shade Vegetable Gardening Ideas.

Growing Indoor Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (pic credit: pixabay)

It prefers arid soil before watering. Aloe vera is not only beneficial for its healing properties, but it is also beneficial for purifying the air since it removes formaldehyde.

Commonly asked questions about indoor plants

1. What are the best methods for planting indoor plants?

It is not necessary to plant indoor plants if they are already in containers. Planting an indoor plant has only two benefits.

  • When your plant becomes too large, it will need to be replanted into a larger container.
  • The owner must plant bulb plants if they are to be grown indoors.

2. What is the recommended amount of light for indoor plants?

A succulent or cactus needs exposure to sunlight every day. Foliage plants require roughly 8 hours of light per day. You should research the type of plants you are growing to get the right amount of light.

3. How can you choose a plant that will thrive indoors?

When selecting an indoor plant, you should look for several characteristics.

  • The root system of a plant is essential. It is not recommended that plants are pulled out of their pots to check their roots, but this is permissible if it is a small plant. Thick roots with a light color indicate healthy roots.
  • The foliage should be thick enough that you can’t see through it, as a general rule. White dots can identify
  • pests and diseases, sticky residue, foul odors, and sticky residue.

4. How can indoor plants be taken care of most easily?

The following are a few easy-to-take-care-of indoor plants:

  • Most succulents.
  • Philodendron.
  • ZZ plant.
  • Pothos.
  • Sansevieria.
  • Rubber Plant

5. Which plants can be found indoors?

A plant that needs little light and little water to flourish is known as an indoor plant. Here are a few examples of the types of plants commonly found indoors:

  • Sansevieria Zeylanica Superba.
  • Hedera Helix.
  • Dracaena.
  • Scindapsus.

6. What is the best way to repot indoor plants?

You don’t have to repot indoor plants in most cases unless they’ve grown too large for the pot. For tips and steps on repotting plants, see our blog on repotting plants.

7. Plants indoors require special care. So how do you handle that?

 You can care for indoor plants in the following ways:

  • Ensure potting soil remains moist- It’s necessary not to over-wet or under dry the soil.
  • The pot must have drainage holes on the bottom.
  • If you prefer artificial light or natural light, place your plant near one.
  • It would help if you determined the species of the plant you have to care for it properly.

8. Do you prune your indoor plants?

 Pruning plants is unnecessary if there is no reason for it. If, however, you notice your plant becoming tattered and spindly, then consider pruning it.

9. What are some of the common reasons why indoor plants die?

 Here are a few of the most common reasons for plant death:

  • Underwatering or overwatering
  • Lighting
  • Neglect your plants
  • Fertilizer.

10. What plants work well in small spaces?

For apartment dwellers or those who work in small spaces, the plants below are a great choice. Find the best plants for small spaces here.

  • Hedra helix.
  • Devil’s Ivy.
  • Succulents.

11. What are the best indoor plant fertilizers to use?

Look for a fertilizer with the label “indoor plants” at your local garden center. Inside plants need less fertilizer than outside plants, so only use the fertilizer rate recommended for inside plants. If you are unsure which type of fertilizer you need, use fertilizer for houseplants instead. Again, it’s best to get fertilizer labeled according to the kind of plant (orchids, for instance).

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Author: Jagdish

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